The Promised Prince: A YA Dystopian Romance

by Kortney Keisel

  Renna took a step back from Trev, her expression guarded again.

  “I guess I’ll see you out there,” she said tonelessly. She pulled Dara’s reins and led her out the back, leaving Trev standing in the stable alone.

  King Carver’s staff had planned an entire week of activities to allow Trev and Princess Seran time to court, while also showcasing the country of Albion for the New Hope visitors. Today’s horseback tour was just one of these festivities. While New Hope’s and Albion’s chief advisors worked out the details of the marriage treaty, Trev would host a tournament of games, a festival, a picnic with school children, a visit to market day, and a ball in honor of the New Hope royalty.

  Trev led his New Hope guests and a group of Albion’s most prominent men and women by horseback north of the ruler’s palace. He pointed out the tallest peak of the Albion mountains, places in Albana City, the acres of farmland under the direction of King Carver, and a few pre-Desolation ruins.

  Princess Seran rode next to him, their pace slow enough to allow conversation. Her hair was slicked back into a high ponytail, and she wore a light purple riding outfit that made her pale skin glow.

  “Do you like your role as the prince of Albion?” Seran asked as they rode along.

  “There’s good and bad as I’m sure you know. I don’t know life any other way, so it’s hard to compare. What about you? Do you like being the princess of New Hope?”

  “It comes with a lot of meetings and a rigorous education, but there is also a lot of ease and luxury, so I guess I can’t complain. However, I would have been perfectly happy out of the spotlight in dull and colorless dresses.”

  He wasn’t expecting that answer. “You don’t like the spotlight?”

  “It’s not that I don’t like it. It’s part of my job—my role as princess—and I take that seriously. But if my life were different, if I had a different role that wasn’t so public, I’d be fine with that too.”

  “Are you scared to marry me?” he asked, trying to face the awkwardness of their situation head-on.

  She smirked, her dark eyes gleaming. “That’s a very forward question.”

  Trev shook his head. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer.”

  “I want you to ask me questions like that. To approach this marriage with honesty. I’ve been engaged to you since I was ten years old. Every time I played dolls or house, you were the prince. You were the happily-ever-after.” Her dark eyes glanced away. “You ask if I am scared to marry you. My answer is yes.”

  It was a relief that her answer matched his own anguish. He was scared too.

  She continued to speak with poise. “I’m scared for the little girl that pretended to know you, that she’ll be disappointed in who you are. And, I’m scared for the woman I am today, that I won’t be what you want.”

  “I’m scared of disappointing you too,” Trev admitted. “Not that I’m a bad guy or anything. I plan on being a good husband and partner. I just don’t know if I’m what you want.”

  “If it matters, each moment I spend with you, I get less scared.” She half-smiled, barely showing her straight, white teeth. “So, you must be doing something right.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Trev argued.

  They rode in companionable silence for a moment until Seran’s expression turned grave. She lowered her voice. “I heard about the attack on Axville. Is it certain that Tolsten was involved?”

  “Almost certain.” Trev sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “There have been skirmishes with Tolsten soldiers on our side of the border.”

  Her smile was grim. “It looks like you may need my military after all.”

  Trev shifted in his saddle. It felt odd discussing his country’s political maneuvers with Seran. But she was going to be his queen in a few weeks. He needed to get used to sharing things with her.

  “I hope it won’t come to that. I’d like to keep New Hope away from battle, if I can.”

  “But that is the point of our marriage, isn’t it?” Seran met his eyes. “If you need our men, they’re yours.”

  “Thank you,” was all Trev could mutter in response. A marriage for a military. The thought made him sick. How could two things so starkly different from each other be tied together?

  Their conversation bounced from one topic to another. Trev found that they had a lot in common. Her mother had passed away. She had no siblings and felt the pressure of being an heir to the throne. She was knowledgeable in the workings of her government and her people and seemed to have good intentions when it came to governing. His father had been right; marrying Princess Seran was a good choice for Albion.

  But was she a good choice for him? Under different circumstances, Trev might have welcomed the arrangement wholeheartedly. But all he could think about now was Renna at the side of the group and the men on their horses surrounding her. They were all harmless, really. A few young, eager soldiers and young men from the city, and then Mr. Tybolt, a large, balding, married man who frequently had his last meal stuck in his hairy beard.

  Trev was confident none of those men could impress Renna.

  At least he hoped not.

  16

  Renna

  The horses slowed to a stop as the company came upon white tents and buffet tables of food laid out for them by servants.

  A servant helped Renna down from Dara’s back and took the reins from her hands. “I’ll take your horse, my lady,” he said, pulling her horse over to be tied up, leaving Renna alone.

  There were so many men from prominent families on the outing. Her mother would call them “potential marriage matches” and would be thrilled with the attention they were showing Renna. None of the men seemed to view her as the afterthought stepsister like the men in New Hope. Instead, they clamored to talk to her. In New Hope, she was an unfortunate reminder of the queen’s former life. But here in Albion, she was part of the royal caravan and an honored guest. It was a nice change, even if it meant she had to be around Trev.

  She turned and nearly bumped into him and Seran.

  “Renna, I’m so glad to see you,” Seran said with a genuine smile. “You seemed upset at dinner last night, and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  Renna glanced awkwardly at Trev, then back at Seran. “I wasn’t upset.”

  “Are you sure?” Seran pressed. “It seemed like something was bothering you.”

  Seran! Stop! Please!

  Renna shook her head. “Nope. I’m fine.”

  “Have you had a chance to meet Prince Ezra?” Seran asked, switching to another equally awkward topic.

  Renna cleared her throat. “Only briefly.”

  “Miss Degray, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Trev stiffly bowed in front of her, kissing Renna’s hand, sending a shot of tingles down her spine—tingles that needed to stop immediately.

  Renna gave Seran a playful look. “You’re right, Seran. You are much better looking than Prince Ezra.”

  Trev nodded dramatically. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Seran shook her head, smiling. “I never said that. Renna is known for pranking people.”

  Trev raised his eyebrows. “Is that so?”

  Renna’s eyes dropped to the ground as her face flushed.

  “Yes,” Seran said, looking between them. “I think you will get along well. You both have a playful energy.”

  “That’s . . . uh . . .” Trev stumbled over his words. “I . . . uh . . . don’t know about that,” he finally managed to get out with a nervous laugh.

  Renna wanted to crawl under a rock. Her joke had definitely backfired.

  “In fact,” Seran said, still beaming, “Renna should join us tomorrow for the tour of the palace.”

  Just the three of us? No, thank you.

  Trev smiled at Seran, though it looked a bit strained. “I thought it was just going to be the two of us.”

  “Oh, but Renna would love it. You’ll come, won’t you?” Seran looked at her expectantly like
she was secretly begging her to come. If Renna didn’t know any better, she would think Seran was trying to avoid being alone with the prince. Renna didn’t understand. She would give anything to trade Seran places.

  “I couldn’t.” Renna shook her head, looking at Trev for some help. “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “Nonsense!” Seran stood a little taller. “It’s a palace tour, not a candlelight dinner.”

  “Perhaps the queen would like to come too,” Trev offered, obviously not thrilled at the idea of the three of them alone.

  “Yes!” Seran smiled at the two of them. “It’s settled then.”

  Lizanne walked to Seran’s side, grabbing her elbow and whispering in her ear. Trev glanced at Renna. He held her stare for a moment then looked to the ground.

  “Okay,” Seran said to Lizanne. “I’ll be right there.” Seran turned back to them. “There are a few young ladies I need to meet.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Trev said a little too eagerly.

  “It’s all right.” Seran put a hand on Trev’s arm and smiled. “I know you have people to talk to as well. I’ll come find you in a moment.” And with that, Seran followed Lizanne away.

  “You don’t have to keep me company.” Renna tried to release him. “You can go talk to somebody else.”

  “And leave you alone?” Trev smiled. “I’m too much of a gentleman to do that.”

  “Who says I’d be alone?” she challenged, raising her eyebrows. “Mr. Tybolt and I have struck up a romance. I’m sure he’ll be along shortly to claim me.”

  Trev fought back his smile. “Didn’t you know? He’s already married.”

  “That is definitely a shame.” Renna looked serious. “I suppose I’m destined to a life of loneliness, pining after Mr. Tybolt and all his charms.”

  “You’ll probably love him your whole life and refuse to marry another,” Trev added.

  “You’re right.” She smiled. “I’ll take up a job as a beard trimmer, hoping to see him every few months.”

  “You’ll save clippings from his beard in a treasure box and smell them every night.”

  Renna gasped. “Gross!”

  “Did I take the story too far?” Trev’s face remained serious.

  A puff of laughter escaped her nose. “A little.”

  “I thought I was really onto something with the beard clippings.”

  Renna’s laughter faded when she caught a glimpse of Seran across the grass. Her dark eyes watched them, but then she nodded politely and turned toward the young women she was getting to know.

  “How are things going with Seran?” Renna asked, hoping to remind Trev of her. She didn’t really want to talk about how things were going between the two of them, but that seemed like the kind of thing a friend would ask. And they were friends now.

  Trev watched Seran from the side for a moment, then spoke. “She told me a little about her childhood, growing up betrothed to me. She said she used to play with dolls, and that I was the prince in her happily-ever-after make-believe games.”

  “That’s actually quite adorable,” Renna said. She looked at Seran again, wishing it didn’t hurt her heart so much to hear that.

  “Yes, it is. It’s also a lot of pressure—to live up to a figment of her imagination.”

  Renna’s voice was light. “As if you need more pressure in your life.”

  Trev chuckled. “I guess I have an entire lifetime to figure out how to be the man she hoped for.” His lips dropped down and his shoulders slumped, contradicting his laugh. He looked at Renna. The carefree twinkle in his eyes was gone, replaced by sadness. He smiled, but Renna saw through his mask to how unhappy he was. He bowed. “Miss Degray, I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.” And with that, he turned and walked away.

  Renna’s heart tightened uncomfortably, and she let out a deep breath. Just being friends was going to be harder than she thought.

  She found a table on the opposite side of the tent from Trev and Seran, hoping to sit as far away as possible, but somehow still ended up with a perfect view of them through lunch. Renna tried not to watch their interactions, but she was keenly aware of every lean, touch, and whisper the two shared. It was torture.

  She had to stop this. She didn’t want to be a front-row spectator to their courtship.

  “Miss Degray?”

  Renna turned to see a young man towering over her, a little like he’d been sent from heaven to save her from her misery. But this guy made her worry. He was attractive, and he knew it. He was tall and muscular, his hair light brown, streaked with golden highlights from the sun. His eyes were dark with flecks of yellow, and they were mischievous like he was about to do something he shouldn’t. His smile came easy and was warm, inviting, and full—a real heartbreaker.

  He gestured to himself. “I’m Joniss Doman.”

  “Renna Degray.” Renna inclined her head respectfully. “But you already knew that.”

  His answering grin was mildly suggestive. “I have to confess, I’ve been waiting patiently for a chance to meet you.”

  “And why is that?” She couldn’t think of a single reason someone would want to meet her when Seran was nearby.

  “Because you are by far the most beautiful woman here.”

  A skeptical laugh escaped her. He couldn’t be serious, but the compliment was nice all the same. “Well, I hate waiting for anything, so that sounds awful.”

  “I think you are worth the wait.” He took the empty chair beside her.

  Recent experience had taught Renna she should be wary of men, but she was grateful for the distraction. She glanced once more toward Trev and Seran to see their heads bent together in whispered conversation.

  “People like us should stick together.” Joniss rested his elbow on the table casually, bringing her attention back to him.

  “People like us?”

  “Yes. People who are incredibly attractive and charming.” He gave her a dashing smile, and she couldn’t help but laugh at his arrogance. She couldn’t tell yet if he was actually this conceited or if he just feigned it for humor. “You see, I can help you here in Albion, show you around, introduce you to important people.” He raised his eyebrows again. “Entertain you.”

  Renna smirked. He was definitely entertaining. She leaned back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. “That sounds awfully generous of you.”

  “I’m a generous man.” He stood and motioned for her hand. “In fact, let’s start getting to know each other now, on the ride back to the palace.”

  She stood, placing her hand in his, unsure of what she thought about him and his forwardness. As they passed the other table, her eyes met Trev’s. He seemed surprised and even a little upset.

  She raised her eyebrows in challenge. He didn’t get to care about how, or with whom she spent her time.

  The ride back to the palace was all about Joniss Doman. He was very self-assured, and that was putting it politely. His father was the high ruler of a province in Albion, and his family was among Albion’s most distinguished. Renna could tell by his fancy-cut riding suit that he came from money. For the first twenty minutes, Joniss went on and on about his wardrobe—the different colors, patterns, and textures of his suits and ties. Then for another fifteen minutes, he described—in great detail—his “rigorous exercise routine,” which he rotated through weekly in various different athletics.

  Somehow his in-depth description of himself came with just enough flattery to keep Renna smiling the entire ride.

  Back at the palace, Joniss helped her off her horse. He was a bit too touchy, placing his hands unnecessarily on her hips as he helped her down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she backed away from him slightly.

  “Do you find weddings romantic?” His expression was overly suave. “Because I’m hoping that you’ll be in the mood for a romance of your own.”

  Renna laughed out loud at his absurd flirtation. She handed the reins of her horse to a servant.

  “I�
�m serious,” he said. “I find you very irresistible.”

  “Officer Doman, you don’t know anything about me.” She still wasn’t sure if she liked Joniss or not, but she did like his attention.

  “Find me tonight at dinner. I would love to get to know you better.”

  Renna was sure he would since he hadn’t asked a single question about her the entire ride back.

  “Maybe you’ll find me first.” She gave an awkward curtsey before walking away.

  Per Mangum’s bidding, Renna made her way to her mother’s room. She had a feeling she was in for a scolding for the scene she’d made at dinner last night. Mangum stood guard outside the queen’s door, staring blankly ahead. His body stiffened when he caught sight of Renna.

  Renna smiled at him. “I’ll never prank you again if you tell my mother that you forgot to give me the message to meet her.”

  Mangum’s eyes dropped and he shifted his weight nervously. “Actually, there is something I need to tell your mother.”

  Renna couldn’t understand why he was acting so strange. “Okay.”

  “I need to tell her about you and Prince Ezra.” He glanced up at her again. “That he was the soldier with you at the pond.”

  A lump formed in Renna’s throat. She hadn’t thought about the fact that Mangum would recognize Trev, that he would tell her mother. “No, Mangum. Please,” she begged. “I didn’t know he was the prince when we were back at Wellenbreck. If I had known, I wouldn’t have . . .” She couldn’t finish her sentence, couldn’t say it out loud.

  “What about in the stable this morning? I know what I saw.” His incriminating eyes broke her heart a little.

  “That was nothing. We were actually talking about Seran and how we were just going to be friends.”

  He shook his head. “Your mother needs to know. It’s my job to inform her. It’s my job to protect the alliance.”

  “No, it’s your job to protect her and this will destroy her. Not to mention it will destroy what little relationship I have with her.”